As much as I love the flexibility of summer, there’s something so fulfilling about getting back into a simple, healthy routine come fall, as I wrote on Instagram the other day. And, while I wouldn’t trade a summer at the beach for anything, it turns out that 10 weeks of salt, sun and a low-maintenance routine left my skin looking less-than-perfect.
I decided to do a small experiment at the start of the summer: what would happen if I reduced my skincare routine to just the essentials: cleansing, moisturizer, and SPF? Would it be akin to a “skin detox” that would leave my skin glowing? My friends, I apologize for the bad news, but my “experiment” resulted in a summer skin meltdown: random breakouts, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation all at once.
What’s the verdict? My 37-year-old skin enjoys its multistep routine, and the active substances I purchase throughout the year make a significant improvement. So, it’s time to contact them again.
Since returning to Austin, I’ve resumed my healthiest skin practices, from topicals to tools to in-office procedures, and I’m happy to report that my glow has returned. If your skin has experienced its own summer meltdown, or you’re just eager to get things back on track for the new season, keep reading for my tried-and-true skin reset approach. Stick to a consistent program for about two weeks, and the results will be seen on your face.
The Skin Reset Routine on a Daily Basis
I am a firm believer in allowing enough time for each product to soak in. Wait at least a minute after applying the serum before applying your spot treatment, then another minute before applying moisturizer. While you wait, do your lunges, clean your teeth, and so on. You’ll get the most bangs for your buck if you let your products penetrate. It’s critical because some of these miracle workers aren’t cheap.
Versed Gentle Cycle Milky Cleanser is a simple but effective morning cleanser. It soothes and nourishes dry and irritated skin with anti-inflammatory oat milk and antioxidant-rich Marula oil, and it’s the perfect fresh start before my morning routine. 
I use an antioxidant-rich serum-like IsClinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance during the day to nourish and protect my skin. This one contains Vitamin C that is delivered over time for optimum antioxidant absorption and protection. Moreover, I also prefer Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum, and because it’s so inexpensive, I spread it all over my neck. And I normally keep two serums on hand (one splurge-worthy, the other more budget-friendly) and switch them out as needed.
Moisturize: Osea Blemish Balm is the newest addition to my collection, and I’m completely smitten. It’s a lightweight moisturizer that clarifies and reduces shine. And it’s ideal for my combination complexion, which desperately requires hydration but also tends to become greasy by noon.
Protect: Because of my melasma, I’ve decided to up my SPF game. Despite the fact that my makeup contains sunscreen, I’ve been using Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Mist under my makeup and as a refresher throughout the day.
Night:
Cleanse: For me, a good cleanser that eliminates grime and makeup without removing the skin’s natural moisture barrier is essential. SkinMedica’s Facial Cleanser is a no-nonsense, industrious solution that I’ve used for a long time, thanks to its foamy gel structure that effectively cleansed pollutants (and keeps acne away.)
TNS Essential Serum from SkinMedica is like a bottled fountain of youth—it’s a medical-grade serum that contains growth factors to improve skin luminosity and tone. Yes, it’s pricy, therefore I only apply it at night when my skin absorbs the most nutrients (ie., I get the biggest bang for my buck.) Allow it to soak in for a few minutes before applying any other items on top of it as I said earlier.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex is a retinol treatment that can help. 5 to exfoliate and turnover skin cells for a smoother, brighter complexion If you’ve never used retinol before, start with every third night and gradually increase to every other night or every night if your skin allows. It promotes collagen production and, in my experience, helps to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Keep These Skincare Tools in Your Routine
When it comes to keeping my skin in good form, I aim to utilize two tools as often as possible:
ZIIP Facial Apparatus: I’ve tested a few different at-home microcurrent devices, and the ZIIP is the gold standard in my opinion. The ability of your body to generate lipids, collagen, and elastin is boosted with regular use. You download the app and pair it with your mobile to perform short “exercises” that tighten and tone your skin while also aiding lymphatic drainage. I had a long hiatus from my ZIIP during the summer, but we’re back on track today, and it feels fantastic.
Using In-Office Procedures to Reset Your Skin
When it comes to resetting my skin, I consider lasers, micro-needling, and chemical peels as options in the office.
Laser Treatments: Depending on your goals, there are a variety of options, but my dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, recommended this laser, which is sometimes referred to as “Baby Fraxel” because it helps prevent visible signs of aging without the downtime required by harsher lasers (i.e. you won’t have to hide afterward).
I normally get it done once or twice a year, and I’ve found that my skin is clearer, smoother, and glowing, and my pores are smaller. For those who are unsure which to try, here is a comparison of Laser Treatments vs. Microneedling.
Fraxel is a terrific alternative for many people, according to Dr. Geddes-Bruce, if you’re looking for more dramatic effects (with the caveat that you should steer clear if you have melasma, as Fraxel can actually cause it to flare). If you’re a suitable candidate, though, it can renew your skin and enhance tone, as well as repair wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars.
Dr. Geddes-Bruce also advised the Vitalize chemical peel from Skinmedica this season because I’m fighting pigmentation from sun damage.
It’s a light to moderate peel that doesn’t require much (if any) downtime, which is ideal for someone like me who doesn’t have a lot of time to sit around at home and recuperate from treatments!
It increases skin clarity and evenness while improving overall skin condition. It also helps with fine wrinkles and texture. My skin peeled for three days, and now that I’m one week out, it’s very smooth, even, and brilliant. It’s a fantastic reset that I want to use every year after the summer to keep my skin in good shape.
Conclusion:
This article has discussed some of the tips and products to keep your skin fresh and active. You can read all the details regarding skincare. Until the next time. Goodbye!
